Children's Tree House Early Education & W.O.W. Summer Camp
Children's Tree House, Inc. is dedicated to fostering a deep connection between children and the natural world. We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for young explorers.
Nature-Based Learning
Our center is located on a sprawling 500-acre campus, offering extensive opportunities for children to engage with nature every day. Most of our time is spent outdoors, where children explore the woods, creeks, and open fields. Regular hikes introduce them to the wonders of the natural world, helping them develop curiosity and respect for their environment.
Providing our youth a foundation for exploring, discovering, and appreciating the gift of learning, as well as our natural world
Benefits of Outdoor Education for Young Children
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Physical Development: Outdoor play promotes gross and fine motor skills by encouraging activities such as running, climbing, digging, and balancing. These activities help children build strength, coordination, and overall health.
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Cognitive Growth: Nature-based learning stimulates curiosity and problem-solving as children explore their environment, ask questions, and engage in hands-on discovery. Outdoor settings often provide opportunities for science and math concepts to be introduced naturally.
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Social and Emotional Development: Group activities outdoors help children develop cooperation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. Nature can also have a calming effect, reduce stress, and improve focus and mood.
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Creativity and Imagination: The open-ended nature of outdoor environments inspires inventive play. Children use natural materials (sticks, leaves, rocks) to create games, stories, and art.
Infant / Toddler
Nature-based learning for infants and toddlers is a powerful way to support holistic development. By integrating outdoor experiences into daily routines, caregivers and educators help children develop essential skills, foster a love for the natural world, and set the stage for lifelong learning.
Our day includes
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Nature Walks: Short strolls outside allow children to see, hear, and feel the world around them. We point out birds, trees, and flowers along the way.
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Sensory Play: Provides safe natural materials such as leaves, pinecones, water, and sand for exploration. Sensory bins or outdoor mats are used for babies who are not yet mobile.
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Music and Movement: We encourage dancing and singing outdoors, using sticks or stones as instruments, or moving to the rhythm of the wind and birds.
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Story Time in Nature: Reading books under a tree or create simple nature-themed stories together.
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Gardening: Letting toddlers help water plants, dig in soil, or observe how seeds grow provides a meaningful experience.
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Art with Nature: The use of leaves, flowers, and stones to create simple art projects or collages.
Two's - Pre K
Outdoor education through these years lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. By integrating nature-based experiences into early education, educators can inspire curiosity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the world around us.
Daily activities may include:
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Nature-Based Play: Unstructured play in gardens, parks, or natural play spaces allows children to interact freely with their environment and peers.
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Guided Exploration: Teachers facilitate activities such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, and simple science experiments to encourage observation and discovery.
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Integration with Curriculum: Outdoor education is most effective when integrated with core subjects. For example, counting leaves supports math, while observing insects introduces early biology concepts.
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Safety and Accessibility: Ensuring safe play spaces and appropriate supervision is essential. Outdoor education should be inclusive, allowing all children to participate regardless of ability.
W.O.W. Summer Camp
(Wild Outdoor Wonders)
Nature Based Outdoor Emersion Camp
No Child Left Inside
Located on the beautiful 500-acre campus of NCTC
8-10 weeks filled with nature exploration and education.
Unlike traditional summer camps, environmental education camps focus on immersing campers in the natural world. Activities are designed to foster a love and respect for nature, teach critical thinking, and encourage problem-solving to address real-world environmental issues. Campers might monitor wildlife, restore habitats, or learn about renewable energy—all while having fun in the great outdoors.
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For rising 1st graders through 10 years of age.
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Weekly themes, scavenger hunts, special guests, Dragonville, Tiny Town, crafts, outdoor games, and so much more!!
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At our W.O.W. (Wild Outdoor Wonders) Summer Camp, we are dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love of nature, adventure, and learning in every camper.
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Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where children can explore the outdoors, develop essential life skills, and build confidence through hands-on experiences.
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Through innovative programming, passionate staff, and a strong commitment to personal growth, we strive to empower each camper to discover their potential, embrace new challenges, and create unforgettable memories under the summer sky.
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*Before signing your child up for camp please know that we are an outdoor emersion camp, where risky play is encouraged. The children will hike on gravel and dirt trails, up and down hills, and various natural steps. *